Power facility rehab ongoing in Boracay

KALIBO, Aklan – Rehabilitation and upgrade of power facilities in Aklan is ongoing.

The line works are aimed at ensuring reliable power distribution in the world-famous Boracay Island and other parts of the province.

Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco)assistant general managerEngineer Joel Martinez said they upgraded the XLPE three-insulated wires with conductor in the island last month.

Akelcocommissioned a contractor to replace some 100 electric poles with southern yellow pine poles in Barangay Yapak in the island within three to four months.

Rehabilitation works are ongoing in Barangay Manoc-Manoc to strengthen the resiliency of distribution system to typhoons and other calamities.

Martinez said the new southern yellow pine poles can withstand extreme winds and elements.

“Boracay Island is vulnerable to strong winds and typhoons. The rehabilitation will also improve the power distribution, operations and services of Akelco and minimize power interruption and system loss,” Martinez added.

Akelcoseeks to modernize itsBoracay facilities to serve new resort hotels and big establishments as peak demand in its franchise area is projected to grow 6 percent.

According to Martinez, the old distribution lines will be “on standby” in case of power overloadof new lines.

No additional cost will be charged to current member-consumers for the new electric power projects in the island, he clarified.

Boracay continues to draw tourists despite receiving negative comments for its environmental problems, like the poor drainage system which causes flooding.

On Feb. 9, President Rodrigo Duterte tasked Environment secretary Roy Cimatu to fix the environment problems in the island in six months.

In case the problems remain unresolved, Duterte threatened to ‘close’ the island resort. (With a report from Aklan Forum Journal/PN)